Our Bureau
Dubai
Dubai is set to become the venue for all India-Pakistan cricket matches over the next three years, including the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This decision follows the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirming that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan due to ongoing security concerns and strained political relations between the two nations.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had initially scheduled the Champions Trophy matches to be held in Pakistan, with the marquee India-Pakistan match slated for March 1, 2025, at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. However, following discussions among cricketing authorities, a new arrangement has emerged. Under this “fusion formula,” all matches involving India and Pakistan that were intended for Pakistan will now take place in Dubai, starting with the Champions Trophy.
UAE Ambassador to India, Abdulnasser Alshaali, expressed enthusiasm about hosting these matches, stating, “Why wouldn’t we? We have always hosted such games”. The UAE has a history of successfully organizing high-profile cricket events and is seen as a neutral ground for these rival teams. Since 2008, India has not toured Pakistan due to security issues, with their last bilateral series occurring in 2012-13.
The decision comes amid ongoing negotiations between the PCB and ICC regarding future tournament logistics. PCB officials are optimistic that this new hosting arrangement will pave the way for smoother operations in future ICC events. They aim for an equitable solution that respects both nations’ interests without compromising on cricketing integrity.
This development marks a significant shift in how cricketing ties between India and Pakistan are managed, especially considering that both teams have primarily met in ICC tournaments and Asia Cups since their last bilateral series. The hybrid model proposed by PCB aims to ensure that both teams can compete without political tensions affecting their participation.
As cricket fans eagerly await these matches in Dubai, the anticipation builds not only for the Champions Trophy but also for other encounters over the next few years. The UAE’s readiness to host these games reflects its commitment to promoting international sports and fostering goodwill between nations through cricket.
